Media and location based social network

ABSTRACT

A method may include receiving from a first device: a media file; data comprising information identifying a location associated with the media file; storing the media file and data in a database; receiving from a second device information identifying a location of the second device; determining a geographic radius of the second device based upon user selection; determining if one or more media files stored in the database are associated with a location in the geographic radius of the second device; and sending the one or more media files to the second device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/463,959 filed Mar. 20, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/084,359 filed Mar. 29, 2016, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/894,249 filed May 14, 2013,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/647,509, filed on May 16, 2012 entitled “Media and Location BasedSocial Network,” the disclosures of each are hereby incorporated byreference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to media and location basedsocial networking. More specifically, the present invention is directedto methods and systems for recording audio or other media filesassociated with a location, and providing recorded audio or media filesassociated with a location to one or more users.

There are numerous applications, software, and devices that enable usersto share, often times via social media, certain thoughts, or pictures.Such thoughts or pictures may be tagged by subject matter, user, etc.for information purposes. However, it is desirable to have a method thatcombines geo-location and user-submitted media to drive how informationis distributed.

Moreover, such media typically involves direct use of a communicationdevice or computer, typically through typing. As restrictions ofelectronic devices grow—for example, hands-free laws prohibiting the useof typing or texting while driving—a hands-free manner of recordingmedia files is desirable. Similarly, it is desirable to provide media torecipients, such as drivers without the need for continued manual inputfrom the recipient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, aspectsmay include a client application executable on a mobile computing deviceto provide media and location based social network services, the clientapplication operable to: receive log in information from a user;determine a current location of the device; record media comments madeby the user; transmit the recorded comments and a current time and thecurrent location to a server database; and when the user enters an areadefined by a radius selected by the user, receive from the serverdatabase and play media on the mobile computing device received fromother users and associated with the area defined by the radius.

Other aspects in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention may comprise a method of recording and providing media filesbased on a location associated with the media files, the methodtransacted amongst a processor and one or more mobile devices, themethod comprising: receiving from a first electronic device: a mediafile; data comprising information sufficient to identify a locationassociated with the media file; storing the media file and data in adatabase; receiving from a second electronic device informationsufficient to identify a location of the second electronic device;determining a geographic radius of the second electronic device basedupon user selection; determining if one or more media files stored inthe database are associated with a location in the geographic radius ofthe second electronic device; and sending the one or more media filesstored in the database that are associated with a location in thegeographic radius of the second electronic device to the secondelectronic device.

These and other aspects will become apparent from the followingdescription of the invention taken in conjunction with the followingdrawings, although variations and modifications may be effected withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention can be more fully understood by reading thefollowing detailed description together with the accompanying drawings,in which like reference indicators are used to designate like elements.The accompanying figures depict certain illustrative embodiments and mayaid in understanding the following detailed description. Before anyembodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited in its application to thedetails of construction and the arrangements of components set forth inthe following description or illustrated in the drawings. Theembodiments depicted are to be understood as exemplary and in no waylimiting of the overall scope of the invention. Also, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for thepurpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Thedetailed description will make reference to the following figures, inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary method of recording media in accordancewith some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a table setting forth exemplary recording attributes, inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a variety of user devices and a central processor, inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method of storing media files, inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method of establishing a receivingprofile, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary method of providing media to a user, inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts exemplary interactions between a user and a server whenrecording media, in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 depicts exemplary interactions between a user and a server whenplaying the media to the user, in accordance with some embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary map of recipients and selected ranges,in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary map of recipients and ranges, inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Before any embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is tobe understood that the present invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and the arrangements ofcomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and ofbeing practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for thepurpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The matters exemplified in this description are provided to assist in acomprehensive understanding of various exemplary embodiments disclosedwith reference to the accompanying figures. Accordingly, those ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes andmodifications of the exemplary embodiments described herein can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.Descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted forclarity and conciseness. Moreover, as used herein, the singular may beinterpreted in the plural, and alternately, any term in the plural maybe interpreted to be in the singular.

As noted above, the present invention is generally directed to therecordation and replay of various media files, based at least in part ona geographic location. Media files may include audio, video, images,animation, and/or any other sort of media capable of transmittinginformation to a user. Note further that while “audio” is discussedherein, such files may stored, recalled, played, and used in any numberof formats, including but not limited to: 3pg, act, AIFF, aac, ALAC,ALS, ASF, Au, AVI, dct, dvf, flac, gsm, m4a, m4p, mp3, mpc, mpeg, msv,ogg, Opus, ra, rm, TTA, vox, way, wma, or xmf. Moreover, audio files maybe saved in formats not typically utilized for audio only recordings,based upon device capabilities, storage parameters, data requirements,etc.

Further, as discussed in more detail below, the present invention mayassociate a media file with a location. As used herein, a “location” mayrefer to a specific unique location (for example, an exact longitude andlatitude of 24.5553.degree. N, 81.7828.degree. W), or may refer to ageneral area, town, city, etc. Moreover, “location” may be associatedwith several geographic locations that have a unifying feature. Forexample, a location may be defined as “Carnegie Mellon University,” butgeographically may include both a Carnegie Mellon campus in Pittsburgh,Pa., but also include a Carnegie Mellon campus in Moffett Field, Ca.Similarly, media files associated with a chain retail outlet orrestaurant may be associated with multiple geographic locations of suchchain retail outlet or restaurant.

Also note that while the discussion below focuses on the location of therecipient of the media files, it is also contemplated and practiced thata recipient's future location may be inferred or assumed. For example,it may be determined—based upon a recipient's rate of change ofgeographic location that the recipient is in a car, train, airplane,boat, etc. Based upon the determined rate of change (for example, speedthat the recipient is traveling) as well as the general direction ofmovement, media files may be provided to the recipient before therecipient is in the immediate geographic proximity tagged to the mediafile. Using this approach, a recipient may be receiving (for example,listening to) associated media files about a certain area as therecipient enters the geographic area. Without such determination, arecipient may begin receiving a media file about a geographic locationor area as the recipient leaves the geographic location or area, therebyrendering any information conveyed moot or potentially useless to therecipient.

As the discussion below explains, a recipient may be empowered to selectoptions or preferences as to content, geographic range, submitter of themedia, provision rules, etc. More specifically, with regard to content arecipient may select to receive media files associated or tagged with acertain topic or topics.

With regard to geographic range, a user may select a larger or smallergeographic region from which to provide media files. For example, arecipient in New York City may elect to only receive media filesassociated with a geographic area comprising a two-block radius.However, a recipient in Laurens, Iowa (which is less densely populatedthan New York City) may elect to receive media files associated with ageographic area comprising forty (40) mile radius.

With regard to submitter of the media, a recipient may create groupingsof submitters, or may use pre-existing groupings. Social media hascaused numerous categorizations of people. For example, FaceBook has“friends” and inner circles and groupings within such “friends.” Theprofessional networking site LinkedIn provides not only groups thatusers may belong to, but lists the degrees of connectedness a user mayhave to another user in the system. Even products such as mobiletelephones running Windows Phone operating systems enables users tobreak down contacts into groups. Accordingly, some embodiments of thepresent invention may enable a recipient or contributor to establishtheir own groups from whom they want to receive and contribute media to,respectively. Alternatively, it is contemplated that in accordance withsome embodiments of the present invention a recipient or contributor mayuse preexisting or pre-established groups in various social networkingsites or contacts lists to sort from whom they want to receive orcontribute media.

With respect to provision rules, a recipient may elect options as to howthe recipient would like the media provided to the recipient. Such rulesmay set the device to which the media is provided (for example, a mobiletelephone, tablet computer, e-reader, laptop, navigation system, etc.),as well as how often to provide the information. For example, inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a recipientmay be presented with a list or graphical display of media filesassociated with the recipient's location (or within a range of thelocation). The recipient may then select which, if any, of the mediafiles the recipient would like to receive.

In accordance with some embodiments, a recipient may select a constantstreaming of media, in which case as a recipient travels through an areaa recipient may be presented with various media files in succession. Forexample, in the case of audio files, as a recipient walks through a townor drives through an area, the recipient may be presented with audiofiles on a relatively constant basis. In accordance with someembodiments of the present invention, the media files may be presentedin a substantially live format, thereby providing the recipient with anexperience similar to that of listening to a citizens band (CB) radio.Providing a constant feed of media files based upon the current date andtime and the user's current latitude and longitude may also beadvantageous. As this information may be updated as the user changeslocation and as time passes and is media-based, there may not be anytext to read that may be a hazard for drivers, walkers, runners, orcyclists.

With reference to FIG. 1, a method 10 of recording and saving media willnow be discussed. Method 10 may comprise the steps of recording themedia file 110, associating the media file with a location 120, setavailability rules of the media file, if any 130, and making the mediafile available 130. Each of these steps is discussed in more detailbelow.

The step of recording the media file 110 may vary depending on the typeof media that is recorded. In the case of images, pictures, or videos, acamera (or camera functionality on a mobile telephone, tablet computer,etc.) may be utilized. In the case of an audio file, a recordingfunctionality on a mobile telephone, table computer, laptop computer,navigation system, or digital recorder may be used.

Note that while the invention generally discusses recording media whilethe contributor is at a geographic location that is associated with themedia, it is also contemplated that a user may record and associatemedia with a geographic location when the contributor is not at thegeographic location. For example, a contributor may record a reminder tobe presented when a recipient is at a specific location. Another examplemay be where a contributor records a media file after visiting ageographic location and associates the media with the geographiclocation at a subsequent time. Another example may be where acontributor records or associates a media unrelated with geographicareas, with certain geographic areas—for example, thereby creating ageographically driven playlist for road-trips, long-distance runs,scavenger hunts, etc.

Similarly such information can be used to form audio tours, informvarious recipients of traffic conditions, or sort by topics that arelocation dependent (for example, informing a recipient of promotionsfrom local retail outlets as a recipient passes by such outlets).

At any rate, it can be seen that step 110 of recording the media fileneed not be performed at the geographic location to which the media fileis associated with in step 120.

At step 120, the media file is associated with a geographic location. Asnoted above, the geographic location may be an exact or unique location(such as a specific longitude and latitude combination), or may beseveral related locations (such as each location of a chain retailoutlet). The step of associating the media with the location may beperformed automatically by a system receiving the media file, based uponthe contributor's location at the time of recordation or submission.Alternatively, the step of associating the media with the location maybe performed by the contributor, wherein the contributor may select thelocation to which to associate the media file.

At step 130, the contributor may set availability rules, if any.Availability rules may dictate or otherwise control which recipients mayreceive the media file, and under what circumstances. For example, acontributor may record a private message that is to be shared only withfriends or other selected groups. Similarly, a contributor may record aprivate message that is only to be heard by the contributor himself.Alternatively, a contributor may allow the media file to be potentiallyshared with, or available to, any recipient.

At step 140, the media file may be made available to one or morerecipients. Availability may be based upon availability rules, if any(as noted above), as well as by recipient rules and/or system defaultselections.

With reference to FIG. 2, a sharing profile—or availability rules—20will now be discussed. A default availability profile 210 may beprovided. Default availability profile 210 may be provided by thesystem, or may be created by a contributor. With reference to FIG. 2,default availability profile 210 may comprise full availability for alltypes of media files (pictures 211, audio 212) and/or content topics(Topic I 213, Topic II 214). A family profile 220 may be created by acontributor, in which recipients associated with the family group mayreceive all media files (pictures 221, audio 222), and contentassociated with Topic II 224, but not content associated with Topic I223.

A friend profile 230 may not receive pictures 231, but may receive audiofiles 232 associated with either content topics, Topic I 233 or Topic II234. A colleague field may only receive audio files 242 with contentassociated with Topic II 244. Note that this discussion is exemplaryonly, and various other means, methods, and manners of providingavailability rules may be used, and are contemplated by the presentinvention.

With reference to FIG. 3, a general system 30 in accordance with someembodiments of the present invention. System 30 may comprise a processor310 in communication with a variety of other devices. Other devices maycomprise one or more mobile telephones (320, 321, 322, 323), one or morenavigation systems 330, one or more tablet computers 340, one or morepersonal computers 350, and/or one or more laptop computers 360. Notethat connections between the variety of devices may be wireless (as inthe case of the mobile telephones (320, 321, 322, 323)), or may bewired, as in the case of the personal computer 350.

The variety of electronic devices 320-360 may be used by a contributoror a recipient to contribute media to a processor, or to receive mediafrom the processor.

With reference to FIG. 4, an exemplary method of storing media files ata processor in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventionwill now be discussed. Note that the method discussed with regard toFIG. 4 sets forth a particular method of receiving the media file andassociating a geographic location. However, this method is exemplary,and as noted above geographic locations may be associated by acontributor.

Method 40 may comprise, in general, receiving a media file from a mobiledevice 410, determining a geographic location associated with the mediafile 420, determining rules associated with the media file 430, andstoring the media file, geographic location associated with the mediafile, and any applicable rules in a database in selective communicationwith the processor.

The media file may be received from the mobile device at the processorthrough, for example, wireless communication. The media file may betransmitted as soon as recorded or selected by the wireless device, orthe wireless device may be configured to periodically communicate withthe processor. Note that in addition to the media file, it is alsocontemplated that specific sharing attributes for the specific mediafile may also be transmitted by the mobile device. If no specificsharing attributes are received, the media file may be treated accordingto default attributes.

At step 420, the processor may determine the geographic locationassociated with the media device. This may comprise determining thegeographic location of the mobile device that transmitted the media fileto the processor (for example, by determining the latitude and longitudeof the electronic device), determining a rate of change of geographiclocation of the electronic device, and/or determining if the contributorassigned any location to the media file.

At step 430, the processor may determine if there are any rulesassociated with the media file that may impact the distribution orsharing of the media file with one or more recipients. At 440 thecentral processor may store in a database the media file, associatedgeographic location, and any applicable sharing rules.

As noted above, a contributor may establish different rules, orprofiles, that may provide distinctions in which media files are shared,for example based upon the media type or content. Similarly, a recipientprofile may also be established by a recipient. With reference to FIG.5, the establishment of a recipient profile 50 by a processor maycomprise receiving a user identifier 510 (for example, a log on nameand/or password, or any other unique or semi-unique indicia that mayidentify a specific user). At step 520 the processor may preset the userwith recipient options and/or rules. The options or rules may limit therecipient to receiving media files from identified contributors orgroups, based upon specific geographic areas or proximities, and/orbased upon specific topics or content.

At step 530 the processor may present the user with play rules. The playrules may limit or control the play function, such that a recipient mayselect a constant media file feed (similar to a CB radio feed), or mayselect to only play media files from a certain geographic proximity.Note that steps 520 and 530 may be part of the same step, in accordancewith some embodiments of the present invention.

At step 540 the recipient options and play rules may be saved in adatabase and associated with the user identifier.

FIG. 6 illustrates a different exemplary method of providing media filesto a recipient device, in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent invention. At 610 the processor may identify a mobile device ofa user. This identification may be based upon an indicia associated withthe mobile device (e.g., a MIN, serial number, telecommunicationsaccount number, telephone number, etc.), or an indicia associated with auser of the mobile device (e.g., log-on and password, handle, user name,indicia, etc.).

At 620 the location of the mobile device may be determined. The locationmay be determined through longitude and latitude determinations,triangulation of mobile telephone towers, satellite location,triangulation of available Wi-Fi networks, etc. The processor may alsodetermine recipient rules associated with either the electronic deviceor the recipient at 630, and may also determine eligible media filesthat comply with the recipient rules at 640.

At 650 play rules of the mobile device may be determined. This step maybe accomplished by a processor in selective communication with adatabase in which recipient and play rules or profiles are stored.Alternatively, a user may select or establish play rules “on the fly,”or right before or during use. Note that the play rules of the mobiledevice may comprise a selection of a geographic scope from which toprovide media files. At 660 eligible media files that comply with playrules of the electronic device may be transmitted to the electronicdevice and played to the user.

Alternatively, a processor may determine any existing user/recipientprofile at 670 and apply the default rules of the profile to potentialmedia files 680 and then play such media files to the recipient 660.

With reference to FIG. 7, a recipient interaction with a server, or aprocessor, in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventionwill now be discussed. A recipient 710 may log in to an application,program, or any other interactive device to initiate communication withthe server 720. When the recipient logs in, the location (e.g., latitudeand longitude) of the electronic device of the user may be determined. Amap may be displayed of the location of the user, as well as optionallyindicating the locations of any media files associated with the locationor nearby locations. Note that the location of the user and theelectronic device may be periodically determined and updated, which maytrigger updates in the display map and any media files associated withthe new location or nearby locations.

When the location is determined (again, for example, by longitude andlatitude), the location may be transmitted to the server 720. The server720 may access a database 721 and identify any media files, for examplesounds or audio files, which are associated with a location at or nearthe location of the user and the electronic device. These sounds oraudio files may be presented to the user for selection, or may beautomatically played to the user via the electronic device.

With reference to FIG. 8, a contributor 810 interaction with a server orprocessor 820 in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention will now be discussed. A contributor may log in to anapplication, program, or other interactive device 811. When thecontributor logs in, the location (e.g., latitude and longitude) of theelectronic device of the user may be determined 812. A map may bedisplayed of the location of the contributor and electronic device 813.A contributor may then record a media file to be saved 814. For example,a sound may be recorded at 814. Before submitting the sound, thecontributor 810 may have the option to cancel the submission 817, stopand/or play the submission back to the contributor 816, or submit thesubmission 815. If the contributor elects to submit the media file, thenthe media file (here, for example, sound) may be saved along with time,date, location information (such as longitude and latitude), and anyother information that may be relevant to sharing the media file. Themedia file and associated information may then be sent to a database 821that may be in selective communication with the server and/or processor820.

With reference to FIG. 9, an exemplary map 90 of recipients and selectedranges, in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventionwill now be discussed. The map 90 may set forth various users 910, 920,930, located at different locations. Each of the users 910, 920, 930 mayhave elected different geographic ranges 911, 921, 931 respectively,from which to receive media files.

User 910 may, based upon his geographic proximity selection 911, bepresented with media files 941, 942, and 943, associated with locationswithin the range 911. User 920 may only be presented with media file 946due to his smaller range 921. User 930 may be presented with media files943 (which is also presented to user 910), 944, and 945. Note that nouser will be presented with media file 947, as it is associated with alocation outside of the user's selected geographic proximities.

With reference to FIG. 10, an exemplary map of recipients and selectedranges, in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventionwill now be discussed. Users 1010, 1020, and 1030 may be seen on map1000. User 1010 may have a geographic proximity 1011 selected, which mayplay media files located in the geographic proximity 1011, such as mediafiles 1041, 1042, and 1043. Note that geographic proximity of user 1010is substantially circular in size, indicating that the user 1010 may beconsidered by the system to be substantially stationary.

In contrast, user 1020 may be determined by the system to be moving (ina direction indicated by an arrow) at a certain rate of speed. Basedupon the determined rate of speed, the system may expand or enlarge theselected geographic proximity 1021 of user 1020 so that media files thatwill shortly be in the geographic proximity are also presented to user1020. With reference to FIG. 10, although media file 1045 may be at theinstant time beyond the selected geographic proximity of the user 1020,it may be presented to user 1020 based upon the user's anticipatedmovement.

Similarly, user 1030 may be determined by the system to be traveling ata faster rate of speed than user 1020, and accordingly the geographicproximity 1031 from which to present media files may be extended. Basedupon selected geographic range and the user 1030's rate of movement,media files 1046, 1047, 1048, and 1043 may be presented to user 1030.Note that it is contemplated that if user 1030 were to changedirections, the geographic proximity would update automatically toprovide media files anticipated to be on the trajectory of travel ofuser 1030.

In other words, In use, a first user may activate a client applicationto execute on his or her device and log in to the server. The clientapplication determines the user's location by latitude and longitude,such as by using an internal GPS circuit, and may display a map with thelocation identified. The location determination and map display may becontinuously updated. When the user has reached a location at which heor she wishes to record a comment, the user may activate the recordingmode of the client application and record his or her remarks. Forexample, a user visiting an historical site may record his or hercomments about the site. A user who is stuck in traffic may record anote to that effect. A user who has eaten at a restaurant may record hisor her comments about the meal.

When the first user has finished recording, he or she may stop therecording and play back the comments. If the user is not satisfied withthe comments, he or she may cancel them and either re-record them ordecide not to make any recording. If the user is satisfied with thecomments, he or she may submit them in which case the recording is savedalong with the current date, time, and location retrieved from thedevice. The user's name or other identification may also be saved withthe recording or the recording may be saved without such information ifthe user prefers anonymity. A connection is established with the serverand the information transmitted to the server where they are stored inthe database.

At any later time, a second user may be logged onto the server throughthe client application on a mobile device. The client application mayconstantly or periodically transmit the device's location to the server.If the second user enters the area in which the first user had recordedcomments, the server may automatically “serve” or transmit the firstuser's recorded comments to the second user's device where it is played.The location at which the recording was made may also be indicated on amap displayed on the second user's device. Alternatively, the mapdisplay may be replaced by text and/or an media description of thelocation. The second user also has the opportunity to record his or herown comments and transmit them to the server where they are added to thedatabase and played back to subsequent users along with the recording ofthe first user.

Accordingly the client application may present a user with a number ofset-up options. For example, a user may instruct the application to onlyplay back recordings that were made within a designated radius of theuser's current location. If too many or too few recordings are playedback in a particular area, the distance may be reduced or enlarged. Auser may instruct the client application to only play back recordingsthat are related to a designated category, such as traffic orrestaurants. Combining the latter two options, a user may selectdifferent listening radii for different categories, such as a largerradius for traffic information and a smaller radius for historicalmarkers. A user may instruct the client application to only play backrecordings that were made by a specific person or by a designated groupof people. In addition, a user may also program the client applicationto retrieve recordings made by a particular person or group of people,such as family members, even if the user is in a different location andwould not otherwise receive the recordings. For example, a user inAtlanta may monitor the recordings of a network member who is in NewYork City.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a user maypress a button on the device to skip a recording or create a list ofother users whose recordings are not to be played, thus reducing thelikelihood of receiving annoying, offensive, or irrelevant recordings.In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a user mayenter a particular location, time, and date and listen to any recordingsmade at that time at that location. In accordance with some embodimentsof the present invention, a user planning a trip may use the displayedmap to select a route and request that the client application playrecordings that have been made along the route, even before starting thetrip. A business may record promotions and other information for usersto listen to when they are close to the business. For example, arestaurant may record information about a lunch special to attractcustomers. If desired, a user's recordings may also be posted to othersocial networks, such as Facebook and Twitter.

It will be understood that the specific embodiments of the presentinvention shown and described herein are exemplary only. Numerousvariations, changes, substitutions and equivalents will now occur tothose skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all subject matterdescribed herein and shown in the accompanying drawings be regarded asillustrative only, and not in a limiting sense, and that the scope ofthe invention will be solely determined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A client application on a non-transitory computerreadable medium and executable on a mobile computing device, the clientapplication operable to: receive, from a first user of the mobilecomputing device, log in information; determine a current location ofthe mobile computing device; display a geographic map on the mobilecomputing device; display a first indicator on the geographic map, thefirst indicator indicative of the current location of the mobilecomputing device; display one or more second indicators on thegeographic map, the one or more second indicators indicative of alocation associated with one or more video files, the one or more videofiles associated with a corresponding one or more other users differentfrom the first user; receive, from a server database, the one or morevideo files; and play, on the mobile computing device, the one or morevideo files.
 2. The client application of claim 1, wherein the currentlocation of the mobile computing device is determined based upon alongitude and latitude of the mobile computing device.
 3. The clientapplication of claim 1, wherein the one or more second indicatorscomprise: a first second indicator associated with at least a firstvideo file, the first video file associated with a first other user; anda second indicator associated with at least a second video file, thesecond video file associated with a second other user.
 4. The clientapplication of claim 1, wherein the client application is furtheroperable to retrieve a user profile based on the log in.
 5. The clientapplication of claim 1, wherein the one or more video files are createdby the corresponding one or more other users.
 6. The client applicationof claim 1, wherein the mobile computing device is a selected from thegroup consisting of: a mobile telephone, a tablet computer, a laptopcomputer, a navigation system, a digital music player, and an electronicreader
 7. The client application of claim 6, wherein the mobilecomputing device is a mobile telephone.
 8. The client application ofclaim 1, wherein the current location of the mobile computing device isperiodically determined.
 9. The client application of claim 1, whereinthe location associated with the one or more video files comprises oneor more related physical locations.
 10. The client application of claim1, wherein the client application is further operable to, receive fromthe user, an indication to skip playing of one of the one or more videofiles.
 11. The client application of claim 1, wherein the clientapplication is further operable to transmit the current location to aserver.
 12. The client application of claim 1, wherein the clientapplication is further operable to update the geographic map displayedon the mobile computing device based on a change in a location of themobile computing device.
 14. The client application of claim 1, whereinthe location associated with the one or more video files is the locationat which the one or more video files were created.
 15. A clientapplication on a non-transitory computer readable medium and executableon a mobile phone, the client application operable to: receive, from afirst user of the mobile phone, log in information; determine a currentlocation of the mobile phone; display a geographic map on the mobilephone; display a first indicator on the geographic map, the firstindicator indicative of the current location of the mobile phone;display a second indicator on the geographic map, the second indicatorindicative of a first location associated with a first video filecreated by a second user; display a third indicator on the geographicmap, the third indicator indicative of a second location associated witha second video file created by a third user; receive, from a serverdatabase, the first video file; and play, on the mobile phone, the firstvideo file.
 16. The client application of claim 15, wherein the clientapplication if further operable to: receive, from the server database,the second video file; and play, on the mobile phone, the second videofile.
 17. The client application of claim 16, wherein the clientapplication is further operable to receive from the first user, anindication to skip playing of at least one of the first and second videofiles.
 18. The client application of claim 1, wherein the first locationassociated with the first video file is a location at which the firstvideo file was created and/or uploaded to the server by the second user,and wherein the second location associated with the second video file isa location at which the first video file was created and/or uploaded tothe server by the second user.